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ProblemsByVin Index / 2005-CADILLAC-CTS / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2005 Cadillac CTS owner complaints

284 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle , including 4 reporting a crash, fire, injury, or fatality. Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

airbags 8 complaints shown

62 total in this category · severe · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags cluster analysis →
12/28/2016 46,589 mi ODI #10938208.0

We are trying to find out if the installed part 19259297: n-module kit (14865-k) is defective. We had this part replaced twice -- once on 7/25/14 at 42,943 miles, and, again on 10/11/16 at 46,589 miles. Although the part does not appear to be under a current recall for our VIN number, perhaps someone needs to review it since we've had to replace it twice within a little over a two-year period. We've contacted Cadillac directly and they are not willing to research the safety or adequacy of this part. We had the part replace at steve foley Cadillac (northbrook, il). *tr

12/24/2010 110,000 mi Crash ODI #10372328.0

My us navy son was driving my 2005 Cadillac cts when he was struck in the rear by a negligent driver. The crash was so severe, he was forced into 3 more cars-totaling my car. All safety features failed - including all airbags and the seat belt. My son was spared, but he did suffer injuries. I have spent countless hours attempting resolve with gm for some answers - all to no avail. They spent several hours with my vehicle, yet passed it over to their 3rd party insurance company - who in turn took zero accountability and had the nerve to put it all back on us (preserving the car and providing more documentation). What more documentation do you need? You saw the failed seat belt, you saw my sons injuries and you witnessed all failures with the airbags. I have now retained an attorney;

12/21/2016 80,000 mi ODI #10936653.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor mat was defective and needed to be replaced the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 10v644000 (air bags), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000. Updated 02/21/17*lj *cn

12/20/2014 55,000 mi Crash ODI #10667423.0

Came to a stop waiting for a car ahead of me to make a left hand turn. Was then contacted by another vehicle from behind that was traveling at an estimated 60 MPH. My cts-v was then pushed into the car in front causing significant damage to that vehicle, and crushing my front end. Of all airbags in the cts-v, not one deployed.

12/19/2017 ODI #11055523.0

We keep getting a message on the car screen that the front passenger side airbag is off when the car is started whether someone is sitting in the seat or not. Code is b0092 passenger detection error. Just recently bought car and registered it, Cadillac dealers says no recall for this safety issue. It is in fact an issue if we are in a car accident, the police will ask first thing about the airbag. Just thankful we know about this issue before something ever happens. Code just came up today december 19, 2017.

12/19/2013 119,000 mi ODI #10556615.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac cts. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated. There was a NHTSA recall campaign number: 10v644000 (air bags) that could have been related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and stated the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

12/14/2010 112,000 mi Crash ODI #10370537.0

Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Cadillac cts. The contact was sitting idle at a traffic stop when a vehicle crashed into his rear. The contact's vehicle was pushed into three additional vehicles and the seat belt did not restrain the contact. The air bags did not deploy. The contact was injured when her head struck the steering wheel. A police report was available. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage was 112,000.

12/12/2014 114,200 mi ODI #10664020.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac cts. The contact stated the passenger side air bag warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 114,200.

brakes 3 complaints shown

24 total in this category · severe · avg repair $450 · see brakes cluster analysis →
12/30/2010 30,000 mi ODI #10373419.0

The brakes will slip when applied. It seems it only happens when going a low rate of speed. In november of this year I had recall on bakes fixed. I thought that had fixed problem. Unfortunately the brakes started slipping again yesterday (dec. 29, 2010). I have had brakes checked several times in the past, no one can seem to find a problem. This is our family car and I am beginning to fear for my family when driving this car. I have found multiple complaints the same as mine, please help us solve this problem. Don't let this end up like the "Toyota" situation. *tr

12/29/2008 24,000 mi ODI #10253130.0

Tl*the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac cts which was purchased in 2004. He heard a slight grinding noise coming from the vehicle for eight months. The dealer could not duplicate the problem. On a separate occasion, he heard a grinding noise coming from the braking system. Upon further investigation he found the rotors had ground into the brakes and pads which caused severe damage. The manufacturer stated there was nothing they could do to assist him. The failure mileage was 24,000 and the current mileage was 34,000.

12/13/2015 5,000 mi ODI #10809908.0

When ever I make a slight turn at low speeds,ie. 10 MPH or less the ABS actuates and the car is unable to stop. This is very prevalent when pulling into a parking spot. I have had firestone auto, parker cadilac, and american tire and auto in my hometown look at this issue and all told me that they could not pull codes. I have been told that if any indicator dash warning light come on then it will trip a code, but this issue does not. This is an ongoing issue with this car..

powertrain 3 complaints shown

71 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/28/2007 29,000 mi ODI #10213132.0

Bad wheel hop under light loads dealership replaced some parts but did not help. *tr

12/22/2009 65,110 mi ODI #10296671.0

I just bought the car on december 18th, 2009 from a small dealer. It snowed over the weekend in delaware. I have been noticing a loud noise coming from the rear axles as I would try to navigate through the snow. It sounds like the rear is hopping up and down radically. This is happening from the point of take off when trying to drive through the snow at low speeds of 5 MPH. I took the car to pep boys in philadelphia, pa to get an oil change and the mechanic's informed me that they heard the rear bouncing up and down when they were trying to transport the car from the parking space to the car lift. *tr

12/18/2007 26,700 mi Crash ODI #10212259.0

At 50mph rear differential let loose on my 2005 cts Cadillac. Lost control spun, hit curb and median. Had to be towed out. Wheels locked. Could have been catastrophic had I went into on coming traffic. *tr

suspension 2 complaints shown

17 total in this category · severe · avg repair $900 · see suspension cluster analysis →
12/28/2009 55,704 mi ODI #10297248.0

Defective rear differential pinion bushing resulting in a audible "clunk" when shifting gears. The automotive aftermarket offers a rear differential pinion brace to compensate for the poor gm design. *tr

12/28/2005 5,500 mi ODI #10146247.0

Excessive wheel hop frequently under mild to heavy acceleration excessive tire wear, tires need to be replaced after 4000 to 6000 miles rear end differential is very weak and may break causing injury or death Cadillac knows of problem providing some customers with extended warranties had a 2004 ctsv and it was lemon lawed in july 2005 for the rear diff breaking 3 times within 1 year. *nm

engine 2 complaints shown

25 total in this category · severe · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/18/2015 85,000 mi ODI #10811091.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being driven at approximately 58 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The driver was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. The contact also stated that the engine was consuming oil prematurely. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000. The VIN was not available.

12/07/2012 59,000 mi ODI #10487632.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Cadillac cts. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the failure could not be replicated however, the dealer acknowledged that the failure was contributed to the engine. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 59,000.

tires 1 complaint shown

5 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $150 · see tires cluster analysis →
12/31/2005 12,000 mi ODI #10146624.0

I purchased a used 2005 Cadillac in dec. 2005 with six thousand miles. At 12000 I took the car to a dealer because of front end vibration and he said the good year tires had flat spots and recommended that I put another brand of tires on the car. After two months Cadillac has only agreed to replace two tires and I pay for two. All four tires are bad. Cadillac and the dealer has tried to place fault with me but I have complied with all the warranty requirements. These are defective tires and Cadillac will not cover their warranty. *jb

lighting 1 complaint shown

5 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $250 · see lighting cluster analysis →
12/14/2006 ODI #10176116.0

I would like to complain about the new headlights on the latest model cars, they may be nice for the driver of the auto but, the glare and non-dimming to the oncoming driver, I feel is a definite hazard to the oncoming driver. I am also concerned about the "fog lights" that many cars have, if they were truly fog lights they would be yellow. We don't need 4 head lights. Please give some serious thought to these concerns. Thanking you in advance. *jb

Showing 300 of 284 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Cadillac/CTS#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
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